Secret of the Andes

“When [the llamas] were resting, they chewed their cuds and looked at him. They understood his words and his moods.”

In the absence of human companionship early in the novel, the llamas become his surrogate community, offering him a sense of belonging in an otherwise isolated existence. Cusi’s bond with the llamas reflects his need for understanding and connection, even if it comes from animals rather than people. This relationship emphasizes Cusi’s isolation—his only consistent companions are animals, not people—but also shows his desire for belonging and the lengths to which he goes to fulfill that need. The llamas are his emotional support, understanding his “words and moods,” symbolizing a form of community that he has created within the natural world. However, while the llamas provide comfort, they are ultimately a stand-in for the human relationships for which Cusi longs.

“O Sun! Great Father of the Inca

who have gone before us.

Great Father of the children of the Inca

who remain in this thy world.

Forget us not though we are few in number.

Forget us not though our ancient greatness

is now but a shadow

in the memory of man.”

The Sunrise Call is a plea for remembrance and continuity, reflecting the ongoing struggle to maintain Indigenous cultural identity and pride in the face of historical erasure. The once-great Inca civilization, reduced by the Spanish conquest, is now “a shadow / in the memory of man.” Yet, there is also a strong sense of pride and resilience in these words. The call to “[f]orget us not” demonstrates the determination to preserve and honor the memory of the Incas, even though their presence is less visible.

“The echo:

‘In—ca

Home—of—the—Inca

Home—of—the—Inca

In—ca

In——ca’ kept bounding from mountain peak to mountain peak.”

The act of the echo bouncing between mountains symbolizes the idea that the Inca’s presence is still alive and resonant within the natural world, even after their empire has fallen. The mountains, being unchanging and eternal, serve as a metaphor for the enduring spirit of the Inca people, their history, and their culture. The repetition of the word “Inca” in the echo emphasizes the lasting influence of their civilization, with the mountains acting as custodians of their memory. In this way, the mountains are portrayed as living embodiments of Incan identity, connecting the past to the present in a way that continues to reverberate through time. The echo reinforces the idea that the Inca’s homeland and heritage remain an intrinsic part of the land itself.

“Cusi did not feel sorry because his food was always the same—frozen potatoes and corn, a gruel made of pigweed seed, and sometimes a stew of dried bits of meat. It was all he had. He was always a little hungry, always a little cold, always a little lonely. He knew no other way of living.”

This quote illustrates the simplicity and isolation of Cusi’s existence in Hidden Valley at the beginning of the novel. The repetitive nature of his food, which is modest and never fully satisfying, highlights the austerity of his life. His constant state of being “a little hungry, a little cold, a little lonely” shows that while his basic needs are met, there’s a persistent sense of lack—both physically and emotionally. Cusi has become accustomed to this lifestyle, and his acceptance reflects how deeply ingrained this sparse way of life has become for him. The fact that he “did not feel sorry” reveals his resilience, as he has learned to accept these deprivations without complaint. However, it also hints at a longing for something more that Cusi is not yet fully aware of. Although Cusi has adapted to this isolated way of life, his hunger and loneliness signal an underlying need for community and belonging.

“‘We are the Keepers,’ [Chuto] said. ‘We are the Keepers. Waiting.’ ‘Waiting?’ the minstrel asked him. ‘Waiting for what? The Inca’s return?’”

While the literal return of the Inca seems unlikely, the idea of waiting for someone foreshadows Cusi’s journey. He is being prepared, whether he realizes it or not, to become the next Keeper of this legacy. This moment foreshadows Cusi’s eventual realization that his role involves taking on the responsibility of preserving and potentially renewing the Incan culture. The conversation hints that the act of waiting is not passive, but rather a patient, deliberate preparation for the right person or moment to continue the legacy, setting up Cusi’s future realization of his duty.

“Two thousand feet below them tumbled and stormed the roaring rapids of a wide, swiftly moving river. The deep thunder roar of the rapids could be heard distinctly on the cliff crest where Chuto and Cusi stood.”

In this scene, the “swiftly moving river” foreshadows the challenges and rapid changes that Cusi will experience as he leaves the safety of Hidden Valley. Just as the rapids are uncontrollable and potentially dangerous, Cusi’s journey into the outside world will be filled with unknowns and forces beyond his control.

“Suddenly Cusi was not afraid. He felt bold and brave and strong and tall. This was adventure. This was fun. He was at the middle now.”

The sense of adventure and exhilaration Cusi feels as he reaches the middle of the bridge reflects his growing independence. It signals that Cusi is beginning to take control of his own path, no longer bound by fear but driven by excitement and curiosity. His feelings of being “bold and brave and strong and tall” suggest that Cusi is stepping into a more empowered version of himself, recognizing that he can face challenges on his own. The fact that he is “at the middle now” is symbolic, representing that Cusi is at a midpoint in his journey, where he can no longer go back but must move forward, equipped with the courage and strength he has discovered within himself.

“Chuto named the trees for Cusi. Eucalyptus from Australia, willow and poplar brought from Europe. The trees and their names and the countries they came from meant nothing to Cusi. They were strange to sight and sound. They left no memory in his mind, no echo in his heart. He saw them. That was all.”

While Cusi is beginning to explore the world beyond his sheltered existence in Hidden Valley, he finds little resonance with the things that come from outside his culture. The trees, though they are part of his surroundings, feel alien to him because they lack the history and spiritual significance that his homeland and its flora hold. This passage also suggests that Cusi’s identity is tied not just to the land itself but to the cultural memory embedded within that land. The foreign trees, representing the wider world and its influence, feel distant and hollow to Cusi because they lack the cultural depth that gives meaning to his understanding of the world.

“‘There are some Indians,’ [Chuto] said. ‘The people of the hacienda and those who work the oxen and ride on burros are not Indian. They are Spanish.’ ‘Why don’t they have llamas instead of burros?’ Cusi asked. ‘Llamas are better.’”

The burros represent the weight of Spanish colonial influence, while the llamas symbolize cultural continuity and the persistence of Indigenous identity. Cusi’s preference for llamas shows his desire to hold onto the traditions that define him, a quiet but significant assertion of cultural pride. This moment hints at the tension Cusi will continue to face as he navigates the outside world, which has been shaped by foreign influence, and the traditional world of the Inca, which he is learning to embrace.

“‘They call this thing a truck,’ Chuto explained. ‘It has wheels instead of feet. It has a motor instead of a heart. It has evil-smelling blood by name of gasoline.’”

The truck, with its “evil-smelling blood” of gasoline, becomes a symbol of the encroachment of modernity on the traditional ways of life that Chuto and Cusi cherish. The description gives the truck a somewhat grotesque and lifeless quality, as if it is a soulless entity. This highlights the sense of disconnection Chuto feels toward modern technology, contrasting the natural, life-giving elements of his world with the lifeless, unnatural creations of the modern world. The idea of gasoline as “evil-smelling blood” further emphasizes the truck’s toxicity and alienation from the natural environment, implying that it is harmful, not just in a physical sense but also to the values and traditions that Cusi’s world holds dear.

“Chuto answered simply, ‘I was taught them, Cusi. Do you think that the keeping of llamas such as these is the work of a simple-minded man?’”

Through Chuto, the author is challenging preconceived notions that traditional, rural tasks are somehow less intellectually or skillfully demanding than modern or more technologically advanced jobs. By having Chuto question Cusi’s assumption, Clark addresses a stereotype often placed on indigenous cultures: that some of their practices, tied to the land and animals, are simple or primitive. Chuto’s pointed question reveals the depth of knowledge required for the keeping of llamas, illustrating that it requires an understanding of nature, animals, and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.

“He asked Misti if he did not remember their years of being together, and he told the llama that he loved him, but that he, Cusi, was the master. Then Cusi stepped back, waiting for Misti’s answer. He had not long to wait. Misti’s answer was immediate and emphatic. He spat!”

Just as he wants to assert his mastery over Misti, Cusi is also attempting to navigate his place within the powerful, age-old traditions of the Inca. Misti’s defiance represents the complexities of Cusi’s journey. He cannot simply claim authority over his heritage; it requires respect, understanding, and sometimes a recognition that parts of it will resist simple mastery. Cusi’s journey is not about dominance, but about navigating his connection to the past and the natural world with humility, learning that leadership comes from balance, not control.

“The boy’s longing grew. He could not put it away; nor could he put it behind him. Daily it walked beside him.”

This quote uses personification to give Cusi’s longing a persistent, physical presence in his life. The idea that his longing “walked beside him” suggests that it is something inescapable, accompanying him wherever he goes. The personification also shows how his longing has become an emotional burden that Cusi carries constantly. It is an active force that shapes his experience and pushes him toward self-discovery.

“At first the walls were of natural rock, but farther on Cusi noticed that they had been built of stone. So cleverly had man’s work matched nature’s that Cusi had to retrace his steps and touch with fingertips the line that separated rugged rock from smooth-cut stone.”

The fact that Cusi cannot immediately tell where nature ends and human effort begins represents the Incan mastery of architecture, but it also symbolizes Cusi’s journey of self-discovery. Just as the Incan builders created something that was almost indistinguishable from the natural world, Cusi is beginning to see how his identity is intertwined with his ancestors’ achievements.

“Cusi sat looking at the golden sandals and letting happiness overflow in his heart like waters overflowing their rocky basin in a spraying waterfall.”

The use of the simile “like waters overflowing” conveys the idea that Cusi’s joy is uncontainable, powerful, and natural, showing how this discovery has given him a profound sense of connection and belonging. Water is often associated with life and cleansing, and here it suggests that Cusi is experiencing a moment of emotional purification and clarity. The energy and force of the waterfall convey the powerful impact of this discovery on Cusi. This moment brings about a transformative shift for Cusi, as he begins to truly embrace his heritage and identity with newfound confidence and purpose.

“He could sense the Old One’s tears. He knew that they were dropping to cool the burning of his heart, to soothe his aching disappointment, to wash all his bitterness away.”

Chuto’s tears reveal an important aspect of his character: While he is loving and protective, he knows that Cusi must find his own path. Though Chuto knows that Cusi will be upset, Chuto allows Cusi to face hardships and learn from them, trusting that the boy will grow stronger through these experiences. He steps back, letting Cusi experience moments of pain and disappointment because he understands that these are necessary parts of Cusi’s journey toward maturity. His quiet sadness reflects both his love for Cusi and his understanding that he cannot shield the boy from life’s challenges, but must let him grow into his role and identity in his own time.

“Then he noticed a fork in the trail. This surprised him, for highland trails have but one goal as a usual thing. The side trail was poorly marked and evidently little used. Cusi stood looking at it, wondering if perhaps it led to the side canyon that he had been looking for. Should he take it, he wondered, or should he keep his small flock on the well-marked, deeper, clearer trail?”

The “fork in the trail” is a crossroad in Cusi’s life. While the well-marked trail represents the path of his current life—safe, familiar, and aligned with the expectations set by Chuto—the poorly marked, little-used trail symbolizes the unknown and the possibility of forging a new path for himself. This moment is a metaphor for the broader choices Cusi must face: Does he stick to the traditions and roles that have been laid out for him, or does he venture into the unknown to carve out his own identity?

“No one stopped them. No one spoke to them. No one noticed them. It was only a boy and his llamas. It was only a highland shepherd. No one cared.

This quote employs anaphora, the repetition of the phrase “No one,” to emphasize Cusi’s feelings of invisibility and isolation as he journeys toward Cusco. The repetition of “No one” conveys a sense of alienation, showing how disconnected he is from the larger world that does not recognize the importance of his Incan heritage or his mission to preserve it. Cusi, despite being on a path of self-discovery and personal identity, is perceived by the outside world as insignificant. The people around him do not see the weight of the cultural legacy he carries, nor the significance of his journey.

“The Indian silently pointed out the seven carved serpents of stone. He did not say what they meant or why they were there. The boy knew as the man knew, as Indians know.”

This quote taps into stereotypical depictions of Indigenous people as possessing an almost mystical, innate connection to their culture and heritage. The idea that Cusi and the older Indigenous man “knew as Indians know” plays into the romanticized stereotype of Indigenous knowledge being something passed down through intuition or spiritual means rather than through learned experience or formal teaching. While this depiction can be seen as celebrating the connection Indigenous people have with their heritage, it also reduces their culture to something mysterious and unknowable to outsiders. It bypasses the reality that cultural knowledge is typically passed down through education, storytelling, and lived experience.

“All the children danced around Cusi, saying, ‘This one is Nicho. We choose him to belong to our family.’ Mamita wiped her eyes and joined the children. ‘Yes. Nicho is the new one.’”

The act of being “chosen” by the family offers Cusi a sense of belonging and inclusion. However, the fact that they immediately rename him “Nicho” symbolizes a deeper issue: While they are offering him a place in their family, it comes at the cost of his own identity. By calling him a new name, they unintentionally erase his Incan heritage and his true self, forcing him into a role that does not truly fit him. The family, while warm and welcoming, don’t understand or respect his Incan identity. This moment helps Cusi recognize that while he craves family, true belonging for him lies with his Incan roots, not in an identity that others impose on him.

“Cusi’s [fortune] read, ‘Grieve not if your searching circles.’”

The fortune tells Cusi not to despair if his quest for answers leads him back to where he started. His “searching” circle back to Hidden Valley, but he will return with a clearer understanding of his identity. The message in the fortune is that the act of searching itself, even if it feels circular, is part of the process of growth and self-discovery.

“A month ago Cusi would have tortured his mind asking himself, ‘Who are they? To whom do we belong? Why do a few of us wear them?’”

This quote shows how Cusi has matured emotionally since the beginning of the book. Earlier, Cusi was filled with confusion and constantly questioned his identity. At that stage, he was anxious and restless, unsure of his place in the world, and driven by the need for clear answers. By the end of the novel, Cusi has learned to accept the uncertainty that once troubled him. He no longer feels the same urgency to answer these questions because he has gained a deeper understanding of his connection to the Incan legacy. His maturity is shown in his ability to live with the unknown, trusting that his identity and purpose will continue to unfold over time.

“I am old for my years. I am old enough to know what I want. You only, question me, doubt me, turn me back when my feet ache to walk the manhood trail.”

The “manhood trail” that Cusi refers to represents his yearning to break free from the limitations of childhood and move toward independence. His “feet ache” to walk this path because he feels stifled by the protective influence of Chuto, who questions his readiness and, in Cusi’s eyes, holds him back from fully stepping into manhood. He is not trying to rebel for the sake of rebellion but is seeking recognition of his growth and competence. While he loves Chuto, he is frustrated by Chuto’s reluctance to see him as ready for this next step. Cusi sees Chuto as the final barrier to his independence, someone who, out of love and concern, still views him as a boy rather than acknowledging his development into a man.